How to Dress for a Night at the Casino

You should never show up to a casino looking like you just rolled out of bed. You need to bring your fashion A-game to the table, and show up looking like you want to win.

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Hit the casino in style with appropriate casino attire.

Glitz and Glam, Casino Style

Some casinos, like those in Las Vegas, are all about the glitz and glamor. If you're planning a night in Vegas, you want to dress in pieces that sparkle and shine.

For women, go with a standout sequin dress and pair it with some sexy heels, or get a metallic top and wear it with dressy black pants and heels. The best colors for sequined pieces are gold, silver, red or black. If you choose to wear black pants, pick a top in a contrasting shade like silver or red. Make sure your pants are dressy and not casual, like denim or corduroy.

For your heels, go with simple black. Heel size is not important, just choose a pair that's good for evening, such as open-toe, peep-toe or pumps.

Top off your look with some sparkly jewelry and accessories, such as an evening clutch. Choose a clutch that has some shimmer, like a metallic or iridescent fabric. Jewelry doesn't need to be fancy. A sparkly bangle bracelet in gold or silver and some dangly earrings should be enough. You want the focus on your outfit, not your jewelry.

Men don't want to be quite as dazzling, but you still want to have some glam going on. Go with a pair of dressy trousers in a dark shade like gray or black. A button-down shirt with a little embellishment works. Shades like red or blue are best, to contrast with the dark trousers. Find a button-down with a hint of texture, or a shimmer in the fabric. Don't go overboard, but you want a little something to spice up your look. For shoes, keep them dressy and dark, in an oxford style. Socks should also be dark and dressy. If you're a jewelry-wearing kind of guy, all you need is a gold chain necklace.

Sophisticated Casino Style

If you don't like to draw a lot of attention to yourself, you have more sophisticated options. If you're in town for a business trip, for example, you might go with something more professional looking.

Ladies can look classy by pairing some dark trousers or a pencil skirt with a dressy top. Work trousers or pencil skirts are a great choice for this casino style. For a top, choose something in a bold color like red, yellow or blue. Go with a collared, short sleeve button-down shirt, or a similar style top. Choose fabrics that are stretchy and not too stiff -- cotton is too casual. You want to look sophisticated but still be comfortable. Complete your look with some dressy heels, like black stilettos, and add some colorful earrings and/or a choker necklace for added detail.

Guys can show off sophisticated casino style by wearing dark trousers, a button-down shirt and some dark dress shoes. If you would wear it to the office, you can probably wear it to a casino. No need to wear a tie, however. Just be sure that your button down is in a solid color. Top off the look with a dressy blazer that matches your trousers. Shoes and socks should be in the same color family, in a wingtip oxford style.

Novelty Casino Style

Not all casinos are right for this style of dressing, but in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, you can get away with over-the-top novelty attire that makes you stand out in a crowd.

Maybe you want to dress like a flapper or a dancer in a Las Vegas show. If you're all about making a big statement, find yourself some feathers and a boa to throw around your neck. Get a funky hair piece that has feathers or other embellishments, and put some fishnet stockings on under a metallic leotard. Be sure to wear some high platforms and choose a dramatic evening makeup look, like smoky eyes with red lips.

Most guys might not hit the casino in this style, but those who want to can create a standout look by wearing some tight-fitting Chippendale's style black leather pants with their outfits.

Relaxed Casino Style

Some casinos don't require such fancy attire. However, most people dress a notch or two up from everyday wear.

A maxi dress fits in with a casual casino environment, and you can throw a denim jacket over it when the air conditioning brings a chill to the casino. Try to stay away from strapless dresses, and instead go for a maxi with thick shoulder straps, or even a cap sleeve. Choose a denim jacket that's fitted, in standard blue denim. For shoes, go with ballet flats or wedge sandals. If your dress is fairly casual, your shoes can be in a bolder color or print. If it's is busy and colorful, keep your shoes in the neutral family.

Khakis will work for guys who enjoy a more laid-back casino vibe. Wear them with a casual button-down or polo shirt in a lightweight fabric, and don't choose a print that's too crazy. Hawaiian shirts are fun to wear, but not to a casino. Instead, pair your khakis with a classy striped shirt, or go with a solid color. A brown loafer works best for shoes, with socks that match, and you can add a plain gold chain necklace if you choose.